“Marry me,” he said.
I stared at him in disbelief.
Marry him?
This…
was his condition?
An awkward laugh escaped my lips.
“I’m serious,” he said.
Seeing the calm expression on his face, the smile slowly disappeared from mine.
“Why?” I whispered.
“Isn’t it obvious?” He slowly walked toward me and stopped right in front of me.
“For revenge.” “What?” “Marriage…
for revenge?” How could he even think like that?
Did marriage mean nothing to him?
I searched his face, hoping to find even the slightest sign that he was joking.
There was none.
I lifted my head and looked straight into his eyes.
“Marriage isn’t a game.” “It’s a lifelong commitment.” “We only marry someone we love,” I said softly.
His expression turned stern.
“This is the consequence of humiliating me.” “You’ll spend the rest of your life paying for it.” For a few seconds, I just kept staring at him.
So this was the kind of person he really was.
To him, marriage and love were nothing more than a game.
I stayed silent for a moment before asking, “Does your grandmother know about this condition?” “No,” he replied.
“Then who are you to set a condition?” I asked.
“This money was given by your grandmother, not by you.” Ryan didn’t seem offended.
Instead, a slow smirk spread across his face.
“I know I’m not the owner of this money,” he said.
“But it’s still in my hands.” “Aren’t you worried I’ll complain about you to your grandmother?” I asked.
“Do you really think she’ll trust you over me?” he asked with a faint smile.
“She’s my grandmother, and she loves me more than anything.” “And if I tell her you hurt me, what do you think?” “Will she still be willing to help you?” My throat tightened.
I hated admitting it…
But he was right.
His grandmother loved him dearly.
Even though she was kind, would she really believe me over him?
My thoughts were cut short by Ryan’s voice.
“So?” I clenched my fists tightly.
Seeing me remain silent, he continued, “Fine.” “You have twenty-four hours.” “Think carefully.” “If you still haven’t made up your mind by then, I’ll return the cheque to Grandma…” “…and tell her you refused her help.” He turned around and walked away, leaving me standing there in complete silence.
I stood there quietly, watching him walk away.
For the first time in my life…
I didn’t know what to do.